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Asking a neighbor to be quieter in English (advanced)
Advanced English for asking a neighbor to be quieter. Key line: “Hey, could you keep it down a bit? The walls are paper-thin.”
Full script
Lin
Hey, could you keep it down a bit? The walls are paper-thin.
Them
Oh, man, sorry—am I that loud? I thought the rug muffled everything.
Lin
Usually, sure, but tonight it sounds like your chair is auditioning for tap.
Them
That's fair—I was building a shelf, and the chair became my ladder.
Lin
Would you mind wrapping it up soon? I'm trying to sleep before midnight.
Them
Yeah, absolutely. Give me five minutes, and I'll switch to the quiet part.
Lin
Thanks, I really appreciate it. If the chair starts clapping, I'm moving out.
Them
Deal—if the chair starts clapping again, I'll evict it first.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Be quieter
✓ keep it downBe quieter
More polite than be quiet
Thin walls
✓ paper-thinVery thin, not soundproof
Used for thin, noisy walls
Finish up
✓ wrap it upFinish soon
More casual than finish
Polite request
✓ Would you mind ...?Polite way to ask
Often + verb-ing
Quick answers
Be quieter: what to say in English
Say “keep it down” — be quieter. More polite than be quiet.
Thin walls: what to say in English
Say “paper-thin” — very thin, not soundproof. Used for thin, noisy walls.
Finish up: what to say in English
Say “wrap it up” — finish soon. More casual than finish.
Polite request: what to say in English
Say “Would you mind ...?” — polite way to ask. Often + verb-ing.